I’ve been looking forward to XO noodle bar opening since early 2009, when I first heard about the dining project at the Jet Hotel. Alas, it took longer than expected, but the restaurant has finally opened.

Tucked at the back of the hotel, the dining room is gorgeous, with sleek, modern lines and Asian accents (note the tiny bonsai trees on each table). I’m looking forward to dining at one of the tables perched under the skylight. Along with a handful of salads and rice dishes, there are a dozen noodle bowls. At first bite, the satisfying vegetarian ramen bathed in coconut soup and the rich duck ramen were hits.

XO, of course, arrives on the heels of the wildly popular Bones in Capitol Hill and Happy Noodle House in Boulder, both of which opened earlier this year. But each eatery seems to have carved its own niche: Bones is by far the most chef-driven and creative; Happy Noodle is the most community oriented, with shared tables; and XO caters to the hipster set. Best of all, each spot is affordable: Bones’ most expensive dish tops out at $16, Happy Noodle’s at $17, and XO’s at $17.

1612 Wazee St., 303-572-3300

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.